Over to the big test for Ganguly and his men

By S. Dinakar

GALLE, AUG. 13. The Indians begin their Test series campaign on a green wicket at Galle. It could well prove a severe test of technique, temperament and character for Sourav Ganguly's men when the match gets underway here on Tuesday.

``Not an inch of grass will be cut. It will help the pacemen, and also the batsmen because the ball will come on to the bat,'' curator Jayananda Warnaweera and former Sri Lankan off-spinner, told The Hindu.

The Indians were ambushed on a seaming Harare wicket just two months ago and it remains to be seen how they cope with a more demanding pace-attack in which the canny left- armer Chaminda Vaas, and the fiery Dilhara Fernando, are expected to play prominent roles.

Skipper Ganguly remained unfazed though. ``Definitely there's grass on it. Still I want to watch a couple of deliveries before coming to a judgment about the pitch,'' and quickly added, `it should be a good challenge.''

Coach John Wright observed, ``I think it could be one of those situations that could be a little hard to predict. Could depend a lot on the overhead conditions.'' Weather has always been a factor at Galle, with the rain gods having a particular liking for cricket.

The Indians have announced their 12 for the game, with Jacob Martin, Dinesh Mongia, Rahul Sanghvi and Sairaj Bahutule not figuring in the list.

Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad and Zaheer Khan should enjoy operating on this surface, but much will depend on the length they bowl, for it is easy to get carried away on a green-top.

Comeback man Prasad's record on such tracks is particularly impressive for he can bowl a probing off-stump line and get his leg-cutters going. Srinath is determined to put the forgettable tour of Zimbabwe behind him. When he's fired up, he can be dangerous. Zaheer has a gilt-edged chance to give his Test career a real thrust, while Ganguly might relish bowling here.

Yet, it is batting that has let India down on away soil, and in the absence of Sachin Tendulkar, there is that much more responsibly on the technically impeccable Rahul Dravid to shoulder the burden for India. Compact opener Shiv Sundar Das is another player well equipped to survive in these conditions.

Das should partner Sadagopan Ramesh, with Mohammed Kaif walking in at No. 3, followed by Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and Hemang Badani. The likely batting order, but then, these things are always flexible.

Impressive record

The Lankans have won more than they have lost in the five Test matches staged at Galle since 1997, with the triumphs coming over New Zealand, South Africa and England, while the drawn game against Australia was affected by rain. The lone defeat was at the hands of Pakistan last year. On a green- top, it was the Wasim Akram-led attack that called the shots.

Jayasuriya says there is even more grass on the wicket, this time around. ``Even for me it is difficult to believe. We never had so much grass before and the surface appears hard.'' The Lankan captain was not willing to underestimate India, even without Tendulkar and Laxman. ``Dravid and Ganguly are there and you never know with them around. You cannot underestimate Badani. He can come back any time. Good cricketer.''

The home team will clearly depend on Vaas and Fernando to make inroads into the Indian line-up with the sharp left-armer Ruchira Perera likely to be the third seamer. And, of course, Muttiah Muralitharan, with his ability to spin the ball on any surface, will always be a factor. A destructive 13-wicket match haul against South Africa is the off- spin wizard's finest performance at Galle, though that was a very different wicket.

Jayasuriya suffered a cut under his right ear during the Lankan practice session on Monday, struck by a short delivery from Test discard Ravindra Pushpakumara who had come down to Galle to operate at the nets, but the injury is not serious.

The Lankan captain is expected to open with the classy Marvan Atapattu while Kumara Sangakkara should occupy the No. 3 slot as Jayasuriya suggested to the media. Romesh Kaluwitharana and pace- bowling all-rounder Suresh Perera are competing for one place.

Old soldier is back

Another interesting selection is the return of veteran left- hander Hashan Tillekeratne. ``Always nice to be back. I don't have to prove anything to anybody. I just have to prove it to myself that I can still compete at this level.'' The old soldier is expected to bat at No. 5.

Finally, the man winning the toss will not have an easy decision to make. It can `cut' both ways.

The teams:

India (likely): Sourav Ganguly (captain), Sadagopan Ramesh, Shiv Sundar Das, Mohammed Kaif, Rahul Dravid, Hemang Badani, Sameer Dighe, Harbhajan Singh, Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan and Venkatesh Prasad. Coach: John Wright.

Sri Lanka (likely): Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Marvan Atapattu, Kumara Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Hashan Tillekeratne, Russell Arnold, Romesh Kaluwitharana or Suresh Perera, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Fernando and Ruchira Perera. Coach: Dav Whatmore.

Umpires: Mr. Steve Bucknor and Mr. Asoka de Silva. Third umpire: Mr. Peter Manuel. Match referee: Mr. Cammie Smith.

Hours of play (IST): 10 a.m. to 12 noon, 12.40 p.m. to 2.40 p.m., 3 p.m. till the end of play.

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